The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is looking for a thousand new recruits to join its ranks in the navy, army or airforce.

SANDF spokesperson said the recruits will engage in a two-year training programme, starting at the beginning of 2021, after which they will either be fully employed by the SANDF, or become a reservist.

He said all recruits will receive payment while being trained as well as free accommodation, food and travel to military bases.

There will be a five to six-month basic training programme, before the recruits go into specialised fields in the military.

Aspiring recruits can apply for free through the SANDF’s website, and applications close February 29.

All applicants should be at least 18 years old, have completed matric, passed English as a subject, have no criminal record and have South African citizenship.

They should also be “preferably single”, not area bound, and be physically fit, the SANDF said on its application website.

The SANDF was formed in 1995 when the South African Defence Force used by the apartheid government merged with the militaries of former homelands, and the armed liberation wing of the African National Congress (ANC), uMkhonto we Sizwe.